How to use this calculator
- Enter or choose chargeable weight.
- Enter or choose carrier A: rate per kg.
- Enter or choose carrier A: minimum charge.
- Enter or choose carrier A: fuel surcharge.
- Enter or choose carrier A: fixed fees.
- The lowest total cost updates as you type. Use Copy result or Share to keep it.
Method
Linehaul = max(Weight × Rate, Minimum); Total = Linehaul × (1 + Fuel surcharge %) + Fixed fees
- Rate
- price per unit of chargeable weight
- Minimum
- the lowest linehaul charge the carrier accepts
- Fuel surcharge
- percentage applied to linehaul
- Fixed fees
- per-shipment charges such as documentation or pickup
Worked example
- A: 320 × 2.10 = 672; + 18% = 120.96; + 35 = 827.96.
- B: 320 × 1.85 = 592; + 25% = 148; + 60 = 800.
- C: 320 × 2.40 = 768; + 10% = 76.80; + 20 = 864.80.
- B is cheapest, 27.96 below A and 64.80 below C.
For 320 kg, Carrier B costs 800 all-in, 27.96 less than Carrier A.
What the result means
Recheck the comparison for your typical light and heavy shipments: minimum charges favour different carriers at different weights. Weigh transit time and claims history alongside price.
Assumptions and limits
- The fuel surcharge applies to linehaul only, not to fixed fees.
- All carriers bill on the same chargeable weight.
- Weight-break tariffs, accessorials triggered on delivery and currency differences are not modelled.
Questions
What if a carrier applies the surcharge to everything?
Add its fixed fees to the linehaul by increasing the minimum or rate, or enter the fees already including the surcharge.
Can I compare per-pallet or per-mile quotes?
Yes. Enter pallets or miles as the weight and the rate per pallet or mile; the arithmetic is the same.